Filipino family brings culture to home with Malunggay tree
Teresa Gosiengfiao-Espiritu immigrated to the United States from Manila, Philippines in May 1993. America’s nursing shortage presented an opportunity for the Filipino RN, who hoped a better life awaited.
Following an 18-month process to secure a work visa, Terry kissed her husband and 3-year-old son goodbye and boarded a plane.
She ended up in Parker, Ariz. in a tiny trailer that rocked and rolled during storms, but she was located near the hospital where she worked as an oncology nurse. Red, Terry’s husband and a Filipino family practitioner, and their son followed six months later.
The Espiritu family, having gifted their son with three sisters since moving to the U.S., built their current home in north Peoria 16 years ago. It is their second since that rickety trailer in the middle of the Arizona desert
The Espiritu home surrounds the family of six with reminders of their Filipino culture.
The five-bedroom, 3.5 bath, 4,300square-foot house is nestled on nearly a half-acre in a Hancock gated community.
The house features a triple garage suite tucked behind a gated drivethrough arbor. A second driveway separated by a berm of cypress trees and willow plants allows separate access to the backyard through an RV gate.
Past the fountain surrounded by lush vegetation and an American flag, a covered porch featuring thick window insets leads to the front door. Inside, there is a two-story atria with a soaring rotunda overhead, filtering natural light through a second-story window.
Terry hand-painted the dome’s ring and the ceiling medallion in a medley of gold and silver.
To the right of the entry is a living room that overlooks the porch and front lawn area. A family friend created handmade draperies. The décor is reminiscent of the Persian influence on European design beginning in the 17th century.
The room, formal though inviting, provides an acoustic environment for the musicians in the family, as well as a quiet respite.
Red’s library — his favorite space in the home — sits opposite the living room. Carpeting in both rooms features a dense golden diamond-shaped design.
A Malunggay tree graces the side yard. Known as a Filipino super food, nearly every part of the vegetation is viable — immature seeds are cooked as green beans and taste similar to asparagus. Its flowers are edible and mimic the flavor of mushrooms. Leaves from the Malunggay are highly nutritious and cooked like spinach.